When the CWEA 2010 Annual Conference kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, conference-goers will be taken on an exploration of topics pertinent to the ocean environment.

Learn the Latest on “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” When we see Marcus Eriksen of the Algalitha Marine Research Foundation at Opening Session, he will have recently returned from another data-gathering voyage on the ORV Alguita to better understand the impacts of oceanic micro-plastic pollution. What is the signifcance of micro-plastic pollutiion on to humans and other animals that rely on fish for food? Hear about the latest research findings. The Algalitha Marine Research Foundation has been engaged in nearly 15 years of marine research, education and restoration. It has world-renowned expertise in understanding the impact of plastic contamination on the planet’s oceans.

Sea Otters and Stinky Water? The California sea otter population is in decline. What’s in the water that the otters don’t like? And what are the wild and wacky environmentalists doing for sea otters that make life “interesting” for water quality professionals? Steve Shimek, Executive Director of The Otter Project and the Monterey Coastkeeper, will address these questions, as well as discuss Marine Protected Areas, and agricultural and urban water quality issues. The Otter Project is an organization that promotes the rapid recovery of the California sea otter, an indicator of near-shore ocean health. The Montery Coastkeeper is part of a national and international network of independent water “keepers” who champion clean water and healty waterways.

Explore the Undersea World. Almost every undersea expedition returns to shore with new information about our origins, evolution and destiny. See incredible high resolution video as David Gallo of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution shares the most recent discoveres and introduces a new era of undersea exploration. Dr. Gallo will also address how changing climate and diminishing fresh water supplies might alter human survival, global tensions, and the natural landscape. Dr. Gallo has participated in numerious undersea expeditions to the Altantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. He was co-expedition leader during an exploration of the RMS Titanic and the German battleship Bismark using Russian MIR submarines. Want a preview? Click here to see an excerpt from one of Dr. Gallo’s past presentations; Opening Session attendees are in for a treat!

Be sure not to miss Opening Session! See the full conference brochure for more inforamtion. It’s not too late to register for “Oceans of Opportunitices,” the 2010 CWEA Annual Conference!

Don’t miss these opportunities planned just for you! Interact and network with other students and CWEA members of all backgrounds (engineers, operators, lab technicians, and more) at the CWEA’s 2010 Annual Conference.

Scavenger Hunt
Wed., April 21, 7:30-8:45 p.m.

Participate in CWEA’s own hour-long Amazing Race around the State Capitol. Test your knowledge of California history, wastewater trivia, and oceanic factoids as your team of 2 to 3 people solves clues leading to items, photos, and physical challenges that earn your team points. Have your digital camera or camera phone ready. Great prizes await the teams that collect the most points. The race culminates with a victory celebration “happy hour” for all participants at the finish line.

Student and Young Professional MixerFri., April 23, noon – 1:30 p.m.

Mix and mingle, and get to know industry newcomers and seasoned veterans in a fun, friendly atmosphere. In addition to meeting new people and reconnecting with acquaintances, door prizes and free luch are sure to make this a great afternoon for all. There’s no cost to attend.

See the full conference brochure for more information and register online now for the 2010 CWEA Annual Conference. Remember, full-time students attend the annual conference at no cost — a bargain too good to pass up!

This year’s banquet will be a contrast of dignified recognition and hilarious fun. For just $65, you’ll enjoy a hosted reception followed by an outstanding dinner; presentation of Water Environment Federation (WEF) awards; recognition of outgoing board members; installation of the incoming CWEA Board of Directors; and first-class entertainment by a special guest.

The Conference Committee is pleased to present comedian Tom Ryan, a long-time favorite of the comedy-club circuit. Tom has made two recent appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, and has also appeared on Showtime, A&E, Comedy Central and NBC. A full-time standup comedian for over 15 years, he has performed as the opening act in concert for B.B. King, Natalie Cole, Jeff Beck, Tim Allen, Steven Wright, Jerry Seinfeld, and Dennis Miller to name a few. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy comedian Tom Ryan in a small, private setting.

There’s still time for CWEA members to enter the 2010 Opening Session Photo Contest!

Submit up to three of your best photos depicting recycling/recovery/resource management; green practice;energy conservation, or a sustainable solution for a wastewater related facility (e.g. innovative process, fuel cell, digester gas, recycled water, or biosolids project). The deadline to enter is March 19, 2010.

Judging will be based on originality, educational value and scenic presentation. Photos will be displayed at the Opening Session of the CWEA 2010 Annual Conference. Prizes valued at over $500 will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.

Click here for photo contest details and entry form on page 18 of the CWEA 2010 Annual Conference Brochure.

There’s still time for CWEA members to enter the 2010 Opening Session Photo Contest!

Submit up to three of your best photos depicting recycling/recovery/resource management; green practice; energy conservation, or a sustainable solution for a wastewater related facility (e.g. innovative process, fuel cell, digester gas, recycled water, or biosolids project). The deadline to enter is March 19, 2010.

Judging will be based on originality, educational value and scenic presentation. Photos will be displayed at the Opening Session of the CWEA 2010 Annual Conference. Prizes valued at over $500 will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.

Click here for photo contest details and entry form on page 18 of the CWEA 2010 Annual Conference Brochure.

When the CWEA 2010 Annual Conference kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, in the Sacramento Convention Center, it will step away from the regulatory focus of past years’ Opening Session programs.

Instead, in keeping with the year’s ocean theme, speakers will take conference-goers on an exploration of topics pertinent to the ocean environment. The program includes the following exciting presentations!

The Latest on Micro-Plastic Pollution of the OceansThe Algalitha Marine Research Foundation has been engaged in nearly 15 years of marine research, education and restoration. It has world-renowned expertise in understanding the impact of plastic contamination on the planet’s oceans. Fish collected from the North Pacific Tropical Gyre in 2008 were found to have plastic in their stomachs. What is the signifcance to humans and other animals that rely on fish for food? Marcus Eriksen of the Algalitha Marine Research Foundation, has been voyaging on the ORV Alguita to gather data to better understand the impacts of oceanic micro-plastic pollution. He will discuss the continuing research and share the latest findings. Dr. Eriksen is the Director of Research and Education for the Algalitha Foundation. He is a recipient of the H. David Nahai Water Quality Award in Education, presented by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Sea Otters and Stinky Water
The California sea otter population is in decline. What’s in the water that the otters don’t like? What are the wild and wacky environmentalists doing for sea otters that make life “interesting” for water quality professionals? Steve Shimek will address these questions, as well as discuss Marine Protected Areas, and agricultural and urban water quality issues. Mr. Shimek is Executive Director of The Otter Project, an organization that promotes the rapid recovery of the California sea otter, an indicator of near-shore ocean health. Mr. Shimek is also Monterey Coastkeeper, part of a national and international network of independent water “keepers” who champion clean water and healty waterways.

Exploring Neptune’s Basement/Water Crisis on the Blue PlanetAlmost every undersea expedition returns to shore with new information about our origins, evolution and destiny. See incredible high resolution video as David Gallo of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution shares the most recent discoveres and introduces a new era of undersea exploration. Dr. Gallo will also address how changing climate and diminishing fresh water supplies might alter human survival, global tensions, and the natural landscape. Dr. Gallo has participated in numerious undersea expeditions to the Altantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. He was one of the first oceanographers to use a combination of manned submersibles and robots to map the undersea world with unprecedented clarity and detail. He was co-expedition leader during an exploration of the RMS Titanic and the German battleship Bismark using Russian MIR submarines. Click here to see an excerpt from one of Dr. Gallo’s past presentations; Opening Session attendees are in for a treat!

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! Increase yours by starting your 2010 CWEA Annual Conference experience on Tuesday, April 20, at a pre-conference workshop. Eight workshops are offered on a range of timely topics. You’re sure to find one that meets your information needs. Be sure to register early to ensure your seat in the workshop of your choice.

This workshop will provide a basic overview of anaerobic digestion – how it works, process alternatives, and math for process control and system analysis. Ancillary systems and options will be discussed as time allows.

W2: Asset Management (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Does your agency manage infrastructure capital assets to minimize the total cost of owning and operating them, while delivering the service levels desired by customers? The goal of asset management is to improve operational, environmental, and financial performance. It’s a business model that is here to stay. Attend this workshop and learn the benefits of asset management, best practices in asset management, and how to implement an asset management plan at your agency.

Attend this workshop and learn what’s required by reviewing 12 components of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) required by the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Waste Discharge Requirements. Attendees will receive a reference manual written by Subject Matter Experts that has been reviewed and approved by the State Water Board that contains descriptions, resources and information for each of the SSMP components.

W5: TCP – Training the Trainer (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) – FREE

The northern part of the state needs more trainers for the following certifications: Collection System Maintenance, Laboratory Analyst, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Plant Maintenance – Mechanical Technologist, and Plant Maintenance – Electrical/Instrumentation. Are you a certification holder at level II, III or IV? Do you know what your VARK is, and are you willing to use it to help others? Not only will you be helping others to succeed, trainers receive CEUs for each Technical Certification Preparation workshop they teach. Register for this free workshop (lunch included) and learn how to train others in your field of expertise.

W6: CWEA Leadership (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) – FREE

This free workshop (lunch included) was so successful at the 2009 Annual Conference that a repeat performance was requested for 2010. It is designed to equip members to be successful leaders in CWEA. Attendees will learn more about CWEA’s Big Audacious Goals, critical factors for training event success, need for ethics training, and roles and responsibilities of Local Section Board members. What are the various state boards and committees in CWEA? What do they do and how do their decisions affect the membership? Attend this workshop and learn the answers to these questions and more.

W7: SSO—Emergency Response Training (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Prevention of sewer system overflows (SSOs) is the primary goal of collection system operations and maintenance. But when an SSO does occur, an immediate, effective and well-coordinated response is required to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Attend this workshop and learn about unique aspects of some of the state’s most effective emergency response plans that are applicable to small, medium and large utilities.

W8: SSMP: Map, Maintain, Measure & Modify (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

Gain more in-depth knowledge about the most challenging aspects of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) requirements. Understand the importance of mapping your system, and updating/reconfiguring maps for reactionary response. Use the gap analysis tool to assess your agency’s readiness. Receive a reference manual written by Subject Matter Experts that has been reviewed and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board. Attendees also have access to a Yahoo group of members and subject matter experts who share challenges, solutions and samples as they develop their SSMPs.